ANZAC Day Commemoration – 25 April 2026 “A Day of Remembrance, Unity, and Deep Emotion”-Nalin Wickremasinghe
Source:Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – May 2026
Former On 25 April 2026, the Brookfield Showgrounds once again became a place of profound remembrance as the community gathered to honour ANZAC Day — a day etched into the heart of Australia and New Zealand. From the early hours of the morning, the grounds filled with veterans, serving personnel, families, young people, and dignitaries, all united by a shared purpose, to remem-ber the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of the ANZACs.
The dawn service set a solemn tone, its silence broken only by the
soft rustle of flags and the quiet reflection of those who stood shoulder to shoulder in the cool morning air. As the sun rose, the parade commenced, bring-ing together ex-service organi-sations from across Queens-land. Among them marched the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s As-sociation (Queensland Branch), proudly carrying their colours and honouring not only the ANZACs but also the brave men and women who served across the Commonwealth.
This year’s march carried a par-ticularly emotional weight. As our contingent made its way toward the grounds, applause rippled through the crowd — a heartfelt gesture of gratitude
that resonated deeply with every marcher. In one unforgettable moment, a middle-aged lady stood by the roadside, tears streaming down her face as she clapped. Her emotion captured the essence of ANZAC Day, remembrance that lives not only in ceremony, but in the hearts of everyday Australians.
The Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association was honoured to play a meaningful role in the official proceedings. Major General (Retired) Shyaman Kulathunge and Wing Commander Nalin Wickremasinghe (Ex-SLAF), President of SLESA Queensland, laid floral wreaths on behalf of the association. Their tribute symbol-ised the enduring bonds between nations that fought side by side, and the shared sacrifices that continue to unite us across genera-tions.
This connection is rooted in history. During the First World War, members of the Ceylon Planters Rifle Corps — a volunteer regi-ment from then-Ceylon — were attached to ANZAC units during the Gallipoli campaign. Though small in number, they endured the same unforgiving terrain, the same hardships, and the same losses. Their service remains a proud chapter in Sri Lanka’s military herit-age and a reminder of the global unity forged in times of conflict.
Throughout the day, families enjoyed community activities, live music, and traditional ANZAC Day refreshments. Children lis-tened to stories of bravery, ensuring that the legacy of the AN-ZACs continues to be passed down with respect and understand-ing.
The 2026 Brookfield ANZAC Day ceremony stood as a powerful testament to remembrance, unity, and shared history. It reminded us that ANZAC Day is not merely a date on the calendar — it is a living tradition, carried forward by communities who refuse to let the sacrifices of the past fade into silence.
Nalin Wickremasinghe
President – Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association Queensland
Lest We Forget
